Rise in Global Temperatures Felt in Colorado

The following post comes courtesy of Global Site Plans' The Grid. CNU and Global Site Plans recently teamed up to syndicate Grid content, as its contingent of writers presents a view on the opportunities and issues of urbanization all across the world. CNU will carry select posts from the Grid direct on the CNU Salons.

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Although there seems to be plenty of snow, records show a decrease from the past decade.

While not everyone is on board that climate change is a real issue, the effects are increasingly felt across the globe. From higher ocean levels to warmer temperatures, one cannot argue that the environmenthas not changed over the years, whether the belief that it is the fault of civilization or not. An article out last week, via CNN, provided evidence that the last decade was the hottest. Although the title is a bit sensationalized, there are some good points to understand: the magnitude of the “heat spike” has never been recorded, a long-range study is necessary, parallel results are seen across a range of studies, etc.

In Buena Vista, Colorado, climate change is an issue as well. As a small, rural town that thrives off tourism, the rise in atmospheric temperatures plays a noticeable difference. The intense winters in the Rockies bring a large amount of snow, which in turn melt during the late spring and run-off into the valleys. Like BV, many surrounding communities need this run-off as a water source – for people and for the Arkansas River. Not only does the run-off play a vital role as awater source for residents, but tourism, as mentioned above, as well. BV is not a snow destination, as much as it is a summer river destination. Kayaking, fishing, and camping are just a few of the summer attractions bringing massive amounts of people to the small town (kayaking especially). Water shortage (run-off from the mountains, especially,) is important, indispensable; the rise in climate temperatures has allotted less snow during the winter and droughts in the summer.

An infographic by Arup, a multi-disciplinary global design firm, examines how cities are addressing climate change. Buena Vista is currently dealing with the effects and promoting sustainability.

Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado

The rise in temperatures is not just felt on islands and coasts; Coloradoans are feeling it too. Whether a skeptic or believer, education about the aspects of climate change is vital.

Do you believe climate change to be a real threat? If so, is your community already feeling the effects? For more information on the water relating to Colorado’s issues, click here or here.